Photo Gallery
There’s always some strange, interesting, beautiful or fun going on here at the Acre, so I carry a camera. Just in case.
Ducks Gone Rogue (Video)
Some of my ducks have figured out how to climb fences and wander up where they shouldn't be. Multiple times a day now I'll pass through my bedroom and be surprised by a band of the feathered rogues not two feet away. Here's a video of what it looks like.
AROUND THE ACRE
Sage’s Acre Weather
Weather Forcast
53°F
USDA Zone 9
GARDEN POSTS
How to Make Your Own Hand Sanitizer
I learned to make hand sanitizer for camping while in the boy scouts. Every bit as good as the store-bought stuff and 10 times less expensive. Here's how to make hand sanitizer using plain old household products (and an aloe plant if you have one).
Happy Valentine’s Day – Have a Tomato! (Video)
Last spring I planted a grape tomato variety from Johnny's Selected Seeds called Valentine. Developed in collaboration with Penn State University, the Johnny's catalog described it as having "Massive early yields, deep red color and unusually rich flavor." All true. By the time the season ended four plants produced nearly 80 pounds of delicious, firm grape tomatoes. A definite 5 out of 5 stars. Here's a short video from the garden so you can see for yourself.
Rain Barrel Follies Part 3
A couple of weeks ago I was all proud to show off my newly installed rain barrel. However, I forgot to close the drain valve, so when it [keep reading...]
Mid-winter Garden Tasks for Spring
Back in the eastern U.S. a groundhog tells them when it's mid-winter. Here in San Diego it's the Santa Anas. Cool, dry air in the Great Basin pushes [keep reading...]
My First Rain Barrel
Water can get expensive here in San Diego so I've been talking about getting a couple of rain barrels. Then my wife gave me a couple for Christmas. [keep reading...]
Sneaky Gopher Got My Aloe (Video)
As I was touring the yard yesterday, I noticed a large aloe vera tipped over on its side. I knew the dogs couldn't have done it, so I [keep reading...]
GARDEN POSTS
FOOD & RECIPES
How to Make Awesome Hot Sauce
I like a good hot sauce. Not the mouth blistering hot stuff, but the spicy, complex kind that delivers a wave of interesting flavors as well as heat. For me, fermented hot sauces are the best at delivering that combination. Making fermented hot sauce is easy too. All you need is peppers, salt, water and a little time. Here's my basic 1 week hot sauce recipe, and a more exotic 6 month one that's a favorite every year.
How to Make Banana Chips
Got bananas going brown? Forget making more banana bread, try making banana chips. They're dead simple to make and taste delicious (like banana candy but better for you). Here's how to make them.
Terri’s Chewy Hoagie Roll Recipe
Here's a super easy recipe for making chewy, delicious deli-style hoagie rolls at home. An all time family favorite for submarine sandwiches, meatball sandwiches, cheesesteak sandwiches and ever cheesy garlic bread.
